Bowl of old-fashioned chicken and slick dumplings served with herbs

Old-Fashioned Chicken And Slick Dumplings

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Slick Dumplings is a comforting dish that evokes memories of family meals and gatherings. With its tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, it’s a favorite for many. This recipe is easy to follow, and it captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when you need something warm and satisfying.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Slick Dumplings

Ingredients:

  • 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken meat
  • 2 small carrots, sliced
  • 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 Irish potatoes, cubed
  • 5 small onions
  • 5 cups water
  • Salt to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 stalks celery tops
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 tablespoons rendered chicken fat

Directions:

  1. Place the chicken in a large pot.
  2. Add salt, pepper, a dash of cayenne, a bay leaf, and a handful of celery tops.
  3. Cover the chicken with water and cook until the chicken is done.
  4. Once cooked, discard the bay leaf.
  5. Add the sliced carrots, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and onions to the pot. Continue cooking until the vegetables are nearly done.
  6. While the vegetables cook, make the dumplings. In a bowl, mix together the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, baking powder, and chicken fat.
  7. Add enough water to the mixture to make a stiff dough.
  8. Divide the dough into three parts. Roll out each part and cut it into squares.
  9. Add one-third of the dumplings to the simmering chicken and cook for 5 minutes.
  10. Add another third of the dumplings and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  11. Finally, add the remaining dumplings and cook for 5 more minutes.
  12. Serve hot.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chicken and Slick Dumplings

This dish is best served warm. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls for a hearty meal. You can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added flavor if you like.

How to Store Old-Fashioned Chicken and Slick Dumplings

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Slick Dumplings

  • Make sure to season the water well with salt and pepper.
  • You can adjust the thickness of the dumplings by adding more or less water to the dough.
  • If you want to add more flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs to the chicken while it cooks.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as peas or green beans. You might also substitute the chicken with turkey for a different twist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken with skin or bones?
Yes, you can use chicken with skin or bones. Just be sure to remove the skin before serving and pick out the bones.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink in the middle and the juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
It’s best to make the dumplings fresh while the chicken is cooking, as they taste best when cooked immediately. However, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours.